Winter break is for spending time with family and friends, and of course, forgetting about school for a few weeks. One of my favorite things to do while I’m at home for break is making myself some hot chocolate, grabbing a fuzzy blanket, and watching a movie while wood burns in the fireplace. If I’m lucky, it might even be snowing outside.
What movies I choose to watch often depend on who I’m watching it with. For example, if I’m with my brother, we normally choose something nostalgic, and if I’m watching something with my mom, it’s almost always a rom-com. However, the theme is generally the same: they are happy, feel-good films. In case anyone needs some inspiration for what to watch this winter break, I thought I’d share some of my favorites!
Comedies
Elf (2003)
This one’s a no-brainer. Anything with Will Ferrell is hilarious, and this movie in particular is perfect for the entire family. The whole film exudes Christmas spirit, so if that’s something you’re looking for this holiday season, you should definitely go watch it. It always gets me excited to exchange gifts and decorate for the holidays!
Home Alone (1990)
I’ve watched this movie so many times, and it just doesn’t get old. An 8-year-old taking on burglars trying to invade his house = peak cinema. There are so many memorable scenes and it’s a great choice if you have younger siblings or cousins.
Romance
Love Actually (2003)
The number of holiday romance movies seems to be never-ending. Dozens of new ones come out every year (not that I’m complaining), but there are some that just surpass the rest. Love Actually is one of those. It’s set during the weeks leading up to Christmas in London, and it showcases multiple different relationships. There are a ton of great actors in this movie, and it’s a fantastic one to watch with your gals!
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
This movie gives me so much serotonin. The amount of times I’ve made my mom watch it with me is slightly embarrassing, but it’s so worth it. The movie is about a single father named Sam and his son as they navigate their new life in Seattle. It follows Sam as he finds new love after losing his wife, and the bittersweet moments are what make this movie so great.
Bingeable Movie Series
Harry Potter (2001-2011)
My brother and I watch all of the Harry Potter films every single year without fail. Our DVDs are old and beat up, and it’s honestly a miracle we still have all of them. The movies often include scenes set around the holidays, and the found-family trope always makes me appreciative of the people in my life. There are a lot of movies in this series, so winter break is definitely the time to watch them!
Pirates of the Caribbean (2003-2017)
Jack Sparrow is absolutely iconic, and you can’t convince me otherwise. I vividly remember the first time I watched Pirates of the Caribbean and my world was rocked. It’s action packed and great for movie nights with friends. Plus, Keira Knightly is in it, so do you really need another reason to watch?
Childhood Favorites
The Parent Trap (1998)
Disney movies in general are perfect to watch over the holidays because they’re nostalgic, have happy endings, and can be watched by people of all ages. My own parents are divorced, so it particularly resonates with me. However, I think it’s a good movie all around, and scheming kids are always entertaining.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
I love watching older movies during the holidays, and this one’s no exception. It just feels like a warm hug. This is the kind of movie you want to watch with hot tea and sugar cookies. The whole movie is adorable, so grab your family and give it a try over the break – you won’t regret it!